Camellia sasanqua in full bloom in Binh Lieu

  In Binh Lieu there are large swathes of woodland where the perennial camellia sasanquais abundant, often bursting into blossom come December.

    Camellia sasanqua are very familiar to daily life of ethnic minority groups as the root of the tree can be used medicinally in the treatment of stomachache, bone fractures, and sprains. 

    Camellia sasanqua oil is extracted from its beans and can be used as cooking oil. It is good for health as it contains a high content of omega 3,6,9 and other useful nutrients, which can help strengthen the immune system, prevent cancer, and promote weight loss. 

    Taking advantage of the economic value of camellia sasanqua oil, local residents begin processing the oil instead of harvesting its fruit to sell to Chinese traders.

    At present, the output of camellia sasanqua oil ranges between 2,000 and 3,000 litres per year at a price of VND400,000 per litre.

    Aside from being processed for camellia oil, the trees also offer a tourism boost as camellia sasanqua flowers attract a large number of visitors to the region in December.

    By 2020, the area of camellia sasanqua woodland will be increased to 1,700 hectares. As part of the development, a French investor plans to build a camellia oil production factory in Binh Lieu, opening up opportunities for export to the European market.